Asylum Protest: Ash Men Are Among Those Charged With Violent Disorder

Published on: 12 Aug, 2024
Updated on: 12 Aug, 2024

Police remained outside the hotel the morning after the disturbance. Image BBC

Police have now charged a total of seven men, three of them from Ash, with violent disorder following a protest outside an Aldershot hotel that has been housing asylum seekers.

A conviction of violent disorder carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.

Officers were called to a protest taking place outside the Potters International Hotel on Wednesday, July 31.

Map showing location of Potters International Hotel. Apple Maps

Police say that although most of the protesters gathered in a peaceful manner, some disorder was reported.

A Hampshire police statement said: “Our officers were swiftly on scene and were able to disperse the group quickly. Sadly, one of our officers suffered a minor injury as a result of the disruption.”

On Saturday (August 10) two men were charged with violent disorder:

Alby Brannan, aged 18, of Winchester Road in Ash
Jamie Lee Turvey, aged 34, of Montgomery Road in Farnborough

This was in addition to five others charged the night before. They are:

Joe Howell, aged 19, of Bareham Drive, Ash
Kieron Marney, aged 25, of Fairview Road, Ash
Perrie Fisher, aged 28, of Hillside Road, Farnham
Cameron Bowling, aged 40, of Broadhurst, Farnborough
Clive Patfield, aged 60, of The Chantrys, Farnham

Joe Howell has also been charged with assault.

All seven are due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates Court tomorrow (Tuesday 13).

Aldershot MP Alex Baker, who posted on social media condemning the disturbance, said: “This incident was exacerbated by people from outside our community who came here determined to cause unrest.”

Ms Baker added: “There is no justification for disorderly behaviour and these scenes do not represent Aldershot and Farnborough.

“We all support our right to peacefully protest but we will not stand for people coming to our towns determined to stir up trouble and divide our community.”